Living With Food Allergies

Epinephrine Is the First Line of Treatment for Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Epinephrine is the only treatment for a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis (anna-fih-LACK-sis). Epinephrine comes in the form of easy-to-use auto-injectors. It is only available through a prescription by your doctor.

Children or adults who have severe food allergies need two of these auto-injectors with them at all times. For children, this might mean having more than one set of medicine. For example, the child may need to keep one set at school and one set at after-school care. Another set typically remains at home. For adults, two auto-injectors might be enough.

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Epinephrine auto-injectors are the treatment for anaphylaxis. Several epinephrine auto-injectors are now available in the United States. There are also generic versions. Each contains the drug epinephrine. But, each device has its own unique set of instructions for use. Understanding the differences is important so that you get the device you want and you know how to properly use it.

The chart below summarizes the key facts about each of the available epinephrine auto-injectors. All listed auto-injectors are available in twin packs that contain two (2) devices. Epinephrine Injection, USP auto-injector is also available as a single injection. This is the authorized generic of Adrenaclick. More details are available at the manufacturers’ websites. These websites also have patient instructional videos.

Pharmacists must follow state and federal regulations when filling your prescription for epinephrine. You should keep this in mind when filling your prescription.

There are many states in which the pharmacist can substitute a generic form of the prescription. This must be on the prescription in writing. The pharmacist must also get a verbal approval from the doctor. If you or your doctor prefer to receive a specific brand name, your doctor must write the brand name and “DAW” (dispense as written) or “do not substitute” on the prescription. This notation prohibits the pharmacist from dispensing a generic form of the prescription. Before you leave the pharmacy, make sure the pharmacy fills your prescription exactly as you and your child’s doctor expects.

Remember to speak to your child’s doctor to determine which epinephrine product is best for your child. Each device operates differently. Make sure that you have been trained to use the device that you leave the pharmacy with. Also, you should review the training video for that device.

AUVI-Q AffordAbility™is available for $0 out of pocket for all commercially insured patients; free to patients with a household income of less than $100,000 who do not have government or commercial prescription drug coverage; see website for more details about eligibility and direct delivery option.

Up to 25 percent of severe allergic reactions that occur on school campuses happen to people who are experiencing their very first anaphylaxis reaction. Since these people (children, staff and visitors) have not been previously diagnosed with allergies, they may not have their own epinephrine auto-injectors on hand. Most states have passed legislation to allow schools to stock undesignated epinephrine as a part of their emergency medical kits. This allows specified staff to treat someone suffering anaphylaxis, even for their very first allergic reaction. Many states are looking beyond the classroom to other areas where food allergy triggers could be present. In any public space where food is present – such as sports and recreation venues, summer camps, amusement parks, movie theaters – there is a risk for an allergic person to come in contact with their allergen. To find out the status of epinephrine laws in your state, visit www.aafa.org/epinephrine.

Children show their support for Pennsylvania’s epinephrine stocking bill.

Epinephrine Resource School Nurse Program (Leave KFA website)
Find the ERSN in your state if your school needs assistance in epinephrine or food allergy training for staff. The National Association of School Nurses offers a “Get Trained” program to teach school staff how to respond to allergic emergencies, and will answer questions and provide support.

EpiPen4Schools Program (Leave KFA website)
Qualified schools can obtain up to four free EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® auto-injectors.